out-of-bounds

adverb or adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-ˈbau̇n(d)z 

: outside the prescribed or conventional boundaries or limits

If the Frisbee hits the ground or soars out-of-bounds, it changes hands.

—John Bowermaster

Only a few yards over the green are out-of-bounds markers.

—Jeff Gerth

Our slate is going to have edgier films that aren't exactly out-of-bounds for children, but that are really made for more sophisticated audiences.

—David Hochman

Examples of out-of-bounds in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hurley drew an out-of-bounds play to get an open corner 3-pointer for the St. Mary’s transfer, who shot just 28% from beyond the arc entering the game. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 Dec. 2024

Pruning time is over for most plants; out-of-bounds shoots can be removed as needed. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024

The out-of-bounds pass came on fourth and goal from nearly midfield. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 24 Nov. 2024

And then another, his right heel barely evading the white out-of-bounds paint. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

out-of-bounds

adverb or adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-ˈbau̇n(d)z

: outside the limits of the playing area

the pass went out-of-bounds